DEBENHAMS stores in Chester and Ellesmere Port are expected to close their doors for good two weeks from today – although it could be earlier depending on stock clearance.

Back in January, it was announced that online fashion retailer Boohoo had bought the department store brand and website for £55 million.

But while the deal would see the name survive, it meant the company’s remaining 118 stores – including the historic Eastgate Street and Coliseum Leisure Park – would permanently shut.

Earlier this week, Debenhams confirmed closure dates for a further 52 UK stores – but Chester and Ellesmere Port were not among them.

The Standard asked the retailer if a date had been confirmed for closure of the two stores.

A spokesperson said: "All the remaining stores are expected to close on or before 15th May – specific dates for each store will depend on stock clearance."

Both stores reopened on April 12 as non-essential retailers were given the green light to welcome back customers in England as part of the Government's gradual easing of lockdown restrictions.

The Chester store began trading from its current site on Eastgate Street as Brown's back in 1791.

It was bought by Debenhams in 1976 with Browns of Chester the only store in the group to retain its own trading name alongside the Debenhams branding.

The deal to save the Debenhams brand will see its products sold by Boohoo from early next year, allowing enough time for liquidators to continue closing the retailer’s sites.